The Shepherd Psalm: A Meditation

By William Evans

William Evans's 'The Shepherd Psalm: A Meditation' is a deeply reflective and lyrical exploration of the timeless themes found in the biblical book of Psalms. Through his poetic prose, Evans delves into the metaphorical richness of Psalm 23, known as the Shepherd Psalm, offering readers a meditative journey through themes of faith, guidance, and spiritual nourishment. Drawing on his own personal experiences and insights, Evans provides a fresh perspective on this familiar text, inviting readers to contemplate its relevance to their own lives. William Evans, a renowned theologian and spiritual writer, brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to 'The Shepherd Psalm.' His background in biblical studies and pastoral care shines through in his thoughtful interpretation of the psalm, making this book a valuable resource for individuals seeking spiritual growth and deeper understanding of scripture. Evans's passion for exploring the intersection of faith and everyday life is evident in his writing, creating a work that is both intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching. For readers interested in a profound and contemplative exploration of the Shepherd Psalm, William Evans's book is a must-read. Whether you are a scholar, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone looking for inspiration and guidance, 'The Shepherd Psalm: A Meditation' offers a thoughtful and engaging reflection on the enduring wisdom found in this beloved biblical text.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sharp Ink
• Release date: Apr 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9788028364557

William Evans

William Evans is an author, speaker, performer, and instructor known for founding the Writing Wrongs Poetry Slam and cofounding the popular website Black Nerd Problems. He has been a national finalist in multiple poetry slam competitions and was the recipient of both the 2016 Sustainable Arts Foundation Grant and the 2018 Spirit of Columbus Foundation Grant. The Callaloo and Watering Hole fellow is the author of three poetry collections and currently lives with his family in Columbus, Ohio. He is an MFA candidate at Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia.

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William Evans

The Shepherd Psalm: A Meditation

Sharp Ink Publishing

2024

Contact: [e-mail]

ISBN 9788028364557

Table of Contents

FOREWORD

INTRODUCTION

The Twenty-third Psalm

THE SHEPHERD PSALM

CHAPTER ONE

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

CHAPTER TWO

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside still waters.

CHAPTER THREE

He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

CHAPTER FOUR

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

CHAPTER FIVE

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

CHAPTER SIX

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

FOREWORD

Table of Contents

This production of the Shepherd Psalm is sent forth at the request of many hundreds of kind persons who have listened to the writer preach on it and who desire to see it in print, that it may be a blessing to many who cannot hear it.

It is a well known Psalm. Untold numbers of sermons have been preached on it. Books without number have been printed in attempts to set forth its life, depth, richness, and beauty. Doubtless much more will be written and spoken concerning this charming pastoral symphony—and, after that, much more will remain yet to be said, so full is the inspiration of the divine Word. May God make this Psalm to the reader all that it has been—yea, and more,—to the writer!

WILLIAM EVANS.

INTRODUCTION

Table of Contents

The Twenty-third Psalm

Table of Contents

The world could afford to spare many a magnificent library better than it could dispense with this little Psalm of six verses. If the verses of this Psalm had tongues and could repeat the tale of their ministry down throughout the generations of the faithful, what marvels of experience they would reveal! Their biographies would be gathered from the four winds of heaven and from the uttermost parts of the sea; from lonely chambers, from suffering sick beds, from the banks of the valley of the shadow of death, from scaffolds and fiery piles; witnessing in sunlight from moors and mountains, beneath the stars and in high places of the field. What hosts of armies of aliens it has put to flight! If by some magic or divine touch, yea, some miraculous power, the saints' experience of this Psalm could shine out between its lines, what an illumination of the text there would be!

Luther was fond of comparing this Psalm to the nightingale, which is small among the birds and of homely plumage, but with what thrilling melody it pours out its beautiful notes! Into how many dungeons filled with gloom and doubt has this little Psalm sung its message of hope and faith! Into how many hearts, bruised and broken by grief, has it brought its hymn of comfort and healing How many darkened prison cells it has lightened and cheered! Into what thousands of sick rooms has it brought its ministry of comfort and support! How many a time, in the hour of pain, has it brought sustaining faith and sung its song of eternal bliss in the valley of the shadow of death! It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophies of the world. And I am persuaded that this little Psalm-bird will continue to sing its song of comfort and cheer to your children, to my children, and to our children's children, and will not cease its psalmody of love until the last weary pilgrim has placed his last climbing footstep upon the threshold of the Father's house to go out no more. Then, I think, this little bird will fold its golden pinions and fall back on the bosom of God, from whence it came.

It has been well said that this Psalm is the most perfect picture of happiness that ever was or ever can be drawn to represent that state of mind for which all alike sigh, and the want of which makes life a failure to most. It represents that heaven which is everywhere, if we could but interpret it, and yet almost nowhere because not many of us do.

Unusual Application

How familiar this Psalm is the world over! Go where you will; inquire in every nation, tongue and tribe under heaven where the Bible is known, you will find this Psalm among the first scriptures learned and lisped by the little child at its mother's knee, and the last bit of inspired writ uttered in dying breath by the saintly patriarch.

This Psalm is so universal, says one, because it is so individual; it is so individual because it is so universal.